Articles Posted in Court Procedures

What is Due Process? Federal and state laws require everyone to be treated equally and fairly. There has been much talk about due process, and many people are wondering exactly what it is. Due process is a term that is common language among attorneys and judges and in courtrooms across…

  What is the Pretrial Integrity Act? After you are arrested, you will go before a judge. When you are in court, you will learn the charges against you, and the judge will typically set bond. Bond means that the defendant will be allowed to stay out of jail but…

Pretrial Integrity Act Now in Effect A new law is in place in North Carolina. The Pretrial Integrity Act went into effect on October 1, 2023. The bill was initially introduced as House 813 and was signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper on July 1, 2023. The law is…

Mecklenburg County Courts Going Digital – Delays are Expected We all like efficiency and there is a need to bring all of our governmental processes into the digital age. With this in mind, the court system in North Carolina has been undergoing a transition to digital. The new system is…

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question:”A past conviction is keeping me from finding work. What can I do?”   If you were convicted of a crime, you may think that your case is over. In reality, there could be some reasons that you might be able to appeal…

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?”   If you are charged in a criminal case, the situation can be terrifying. The legal system might seem complicated, especially for those who have not previously faced criminal charges. There are…

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?”   When you have been charged with a crime you may feel scared and unsure of what to expect. Your charges could result in severe punishments if you are convicted. You may wonder whether…

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?”   If you are facing criminal charges, you probably know that you have the option of pleading “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” Many people do not realize that there is a fourth option…

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?”   North Carolina law does not have mandatory minimum sentences for most criminal offenses. In most criminal cases, prosecutors can offer a plea bargain while judges have discretion over…

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?”   Mens Rea, which is Latin for “guilty mind,” is a standard in North Carolina’s criminal cases that helps prevent people from being punished when their intentions were innocent.…